The Minister of State (Independent Charge)
for Culture & Tourism Shri Shripad Yesso Naik has said that the Ministry of
Tourism provides financial assistance under its Market Development Assistance
(MDA) scheme for promotion of Wellness & Medical Tourism in the overseas
markets to the following eligible stakeholders:
·
Representatives
of Hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) or the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
·
Representatives
of wellness centres accredited by the State Governments or AYUSH or NABH.
·
Representatives
of medical tourism facilitators i.e., travel agents and tour operators approved
by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today
Shri Naik said, under the scheme, assistance up to Rs.2.00 lakh is
given to the eligible stakeholders as stated above for meeting the cost of
international airfare and for construction of booth, space rentals, electricity
and water charges incurred for participation in the approved events. The
financial assistance under the MDA scheme is provided subject to adherence to
the scheme guidelines and availability of funds.
The Minister said, during the last three
years and current year up to 30th June, 2014, a sum of Rs.1,15,37,282/- has
been reimbursed to the eligible stakeholders under the scheme. The details of
funds released are given in the Annexure.
He said, the number of foreign tourists who came for medical treatment during
2011 and 2012 was 138802 and 171021 respectively. The Ministry of Tourism,
however does not compile the figures of revenue generated through tourists
coming for medical purposes separately. However, Foreign Exchange
Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during the years 2011, 2012 and 2013
was Rs.77,591 crore, Rs.94,487 crore and Rs.1,07,671 crore, respectively.
The development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily
the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory
Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism promotes wellness and
medical tourism for boosting inflow of foreign tourists in a holistic manner,
inter alia, by running campaigns in the international markets under the
Incredible India brand-line; conducting Road Shows, Know India Seminars;
participating in major international tourism fairs and exhibitions and also
supporting Events/Seminars/Conferences which have focus on wellness and medical
tourism, the Minister added.
